Hybrid lighting device

ABSTRACT

A hybrid lighting device is described. The hybrid lighting device comprises a solar panel arranged to generate electric power; a wind turbine arranged to generate electric power; an energy storage device electrically connected with the power controller and arranged to store electric power; a power controller electrically connected with the energy storage device and the solar panel and the wind turbine and arranged to transfer electric power; and an induction-based light source electrically connected with the power controller.

BACKGROUND

Numerous approaches to providing illumination in darkened areas havebeen attempted. Typically, an electric current is provided to a lamp tocause a light bulb installed in the lamp to generate illumination, e.g.,via a glowing filament, to a surrounding area. Other approaches haveused a burning gas or other material to generate illumination to asurrounding area.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

One or more embodiments are illustrated by way of example, and not bylimitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings, whereinelements having the same reference numeral designations represent likeelements throughout and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a view of an embodiment of a hybrid lighting device;

FIG. 2 is a view of an embodiment of a hybrid lighting device accordingto an embodiment;

FIG. 3 is an exploded parts detail diagram of a wind turbine useable inconjunction with an embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a high-level schematic diagram of a hybrid lighting deviceaccording to an embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a high-level block diagram of a controller according to anembodiment;

FIG. 6 is a high-level schematic diagram of a hybrid lighting deviceaccording to another embodiment;

FIG. 7 is two views (FIGS. 7A and 7B) of a vertical wind turbine usablein conjunction with an embodiment;

FIGS. 8-25 depict at least a portion of a hybrid lighting deviceaccording to one or more embodiments;

FIG. 26 is a side view of at least a portion of a hybrid lighting deviceaccording to an embodiment; and

FIG. 27 is a side view of at least a portion of a hybrid lighting deviceaccording to another embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of a hybrid lighting device 100according to an embodiment of the present invention. Hybrid lightingdevice 100 is installed on a surface 102 by way of a pedestal 104. In atleast some embodiments, surface 102 comprises ground, roadway, or othersupporting surface. In at least some embodiments, pedestal 104 comprisesany of a number of supportive materials such as stone, concrete, metal,etc.

Hybrid lighting device 100 comprises a vertically extending support pole106. In at least some embodiments, support pole 106 is hollow; however,in other embodiments different configurations may be possible. In atleast some embodiments, support pole 106 may be comprised of metal,plastic, concrete and/or a composite material. Support pole 106 connectsto pedestal 104 at a pole base 108 of the support pole. In at least someembodiments, pole base 108 is formed as an integral part of support pole106. In at least some embodiments, a plurality of mounting bolts may beused to secure pole base 108 to pedestal 104.

An energy storage device 110, e.g., a battery, is located adjacent polebase 108 and electrically coupled to one or more devices connected tosupport pole 106. In at least some embodiments, energy storage device110 may comprise a plurality of batteries. In at least some embodiments,energy storage device 110 may be formed as an integral part of supportpole 106.

Hybrid lighting device 100 also comprises a light source 112 physicallyconnected to support pole 106 by a light source connecting rod 114. Inat least some embodiments, light source connecting rod 114 is made ofthe same material as support pole 106. In at least some embodiments,connecting rod 114 may be of a different shape and/or configuration.Light source 112 comprises an induction-based light source for providingillumination to an area adjacent support pole 106.

In at least some embodiments, light source 112 is an induction-basedlight source in order to provide increased lifespan and/or reduce arequired initial energy requirement for illumination. An induction-basedlight source does not use electrical connections through a lamp in orderto transfer power to the lamp. Electrode-less lamps transfer power bymeans of electromagnetic fields in order to generate light. In aninduction-based light source, an electric frequency generated from anelectronic ballast is used to transfer electric power to an antenna coilwithin the lamp. In accordance with at least some embodiments, lightsource 112 may have an increased lifespan with respect to other types,e.g., incandescent and/or florescent light sources having electrodes. Inaccordance with at least some embodiments, light source 112 may have areduced initial energy requirement for start up of the light source.

In at least some embodiments, induction-based light source 112 is a 70Watt induction lamp or a 100 Watt induction lamp. An advantage of usingan induction lamp is enabling use of a smaller system due to highluminous flux and luminous intensity of the luminaries. In at least someembodiments, the use of high scotopic values of the induction system ofthe induction lamp enables a significant reduction in the size of windturbine 122 and/or solar panels 116, 118. Induction technology is afluorescent lamp without electrodes. In accordance with induction lamptechnology, the lamp relies on magnetic induction to ignite thephosphors rather than electrodes (electrodes are the components whichburn out in a linear lamp resulting in frequent replacement). Sinceinduction-based lamps do not have components which can burn out theinduction lamps are rated at 100,000 hours, lasting longer than 100incandescent, 5 HID, or 5 typical fluorescent lamp changes.

In at least some embodiments, light source 112 is electricallyconnected, either directly or indirectly, to energy storage device 110.In at least some alternate embodiments, hybrid lighting device 100 maycomprise more than one light source. In at least some embodiments, lightsource 112 may be arranged to provide illumination in a directionalmanner, i.e., downward, upward, etc., with respect to an orientation ofthe light source. In at least some embodiments, hybrid lighting device100 may comprise a plurality of light sources arranged at differingelevations and/or at different angular spacing about support pole 106.In at least some embodiments, light source 112 is directly attached tosupport pole 106 without use of a connecting rod.

In at least some embodiments, induction-based light source 112 comprisesa light sensor arranged to trigger activation of the induction-basedlight source based on a detected light level. In at least someembodiments, the detected light level is determined with respect to aparticular area proximate support pole 106.

Hybrid lighting device 100 also comprises a pair of solar panels 116,118 physically connected to support pole 106 by a solar panel connectingrod 120. Solar panels 116, 118 generate an electric charge in responseto receipt of solar radiation. In at least some embodiments, solar panelconnecting rod 120 is made of the same material as support pole 106. Inat least some embodiments, connecting rod 120 may be of a differentshape and/or configuration. In at least some embodiments, a single solarpanel may be used in place of a pair of solar panels. In at least someembodiments, support pole 106 comprises more than one solar panel witheach solar panel arranged at a different elevation along the verticallength of the support pole. In at least some embodiments, solar panels116, 118 may be directly attached to support pole 106 without use of aconnecting rod.

In at least some embodiments, solar panels 116, 118 are electricallyconnected, either directly or indirectly, to energy storage device 110.In at least some alternate embodiments, hybrid lighting device 100 maycomprise more than one pair of solar panels or an odd number of solarpanels. In at least some embodiments, solar panels 116, 118 may bearranged to receive solar radiation at an optimal angle with respect tothe sun. In at least some embodiments, solar panels 116, 118 may bepositionable with respect to receiving solar radiation. In at least somefurther embodiments, solar panels 116, 118 may be attached to supportpole 106 by use of a solar tracking apparatus arranged to maintain aposition of the solar panels with respect to the sun during the courseof a day.

In at least some embodiments, solar panels 116, 118 each are able togenerate 50 Watts of power. In at least some other embodiments, solarpanels 116, 118 each are able to generate greater than 50 Watts ofpower, e.g., 100 Watts or more.

Hybrid lighting device 100 also comprises a wind turbine 122 physicallyconnected to and positioned atop support pole 106 via a mounting point124. Wind turbine 122 generates an electric charge in response torotation of the turbine blades as a result of the impact of wind, i.e.,air flow, on the blades. In at least some embodiments, mounting point124 is made of the same material as support pole 106. Mounting point 124enables rotation of wind turbine 122 about support pole 106 such thatblades of the turbine receive wind flow to generate electricity. In atleast some embodiments, mounting point 124 may be of a different shapeand/or configuration.

In at least some embodiments, more than one wind turbine may be attachedto support pole 106 and electrically connected with energy storagedevice 110. In at least some embodiments, wind turbine 122 may beattached to support pole 106 without use of mounting point 124. Windturbine 122 is electrically connected, either directly or indirectly, toenergy storage device 110.

In at least some embodiments, wind turbine 122 may be oriented in ahorizontal, vertical, or at an angle with respect to support pole 106.In at least some other embodiments, wind turbine 122 may be integratedwithin or partially within hybrid lighting device 100.

FIG. 2 depicts a plan view of hybrid lighting device 100 according to anembodiment. As depicted, support pole 106 is connected via threadedbolts 200 protruding through base support 108. Threaded bolts 200 areset into concrete pedestal 104 which also supports energy storage device110. Pedestal 104 comprises a tube 202 for joining electric wires fromdevices on support pole 106 to energy storage device 110.

FIG. 3 depicts a wind turbine 300 useable in conjunction with a hybridlighting device 100 according to an embodiment. Wind turbine 122(FIG. 1) is similar to wind turbine 300.

Wind turbine 300 comprises a main portion 302 comprising a generator304, a tail section 306, and a connecting flange 308. Tail section 306adjusts the direction in which wind turbine 300 is pointed responsive toan air flow along the tail section. Connecting flange 308 is theconnection point for wind turbine 300 to connect with support pole 106(FIG. 1). A set of bolts 310 secure wind turbine 300 connected withsupport pole 106.

Wind turbine 300 also comprises a set of blades 312 arrayed extendingfrom a central drive of generator 304. Generator 304 is rotated andgenerates electricity in response to rotation of blades 312 responsiveto air flow impacting the blade surface. Generator 304 is electricallyconnected, either directly or indirectly, to energy storage device 110.A set of bolts 314 in combination with a blade flange 316 connect blades312 to generator 304.

FIG. 4 depicts a high-level schematic connection diagram of hybridlighting device 100 according to an embodiment. Light source 112 iselectrically connected with a controller 400 via a pair of electricalconnections, i.e., wires. Controller 400 is also electrically connectedwith the pair of solar panels 116 (connected in series), 118, windturbine 122, and energy storage device 110, each via a pair ofelectrical connections. As depicted energy storage device 110 comprisesa pair of batteries 402, 404 connected in series with controller 400.

As depicted, wind turbine 122 is connected in parallel with energystorage device 110. In at least some embodiments, different electricalconnections between the solar panels, wind turbine, energy storagedevice, light source, and controller may be used without departing fromthe scope and/or spirit of embodiments of the present invention.

Controller 400 comprises circuitry for controlling the energizing oflight source 112 using either or both of electricity from solar panels116, 118, wind turbine 122, and/or energy storage device 110.

FIG. 5 depicts a high-level functional block diagram of a controller 500usable in conjunction with an embodiment, e.g., as controller 400.Controller 500 comprises a processor or controller-based device 502, aninput/output (I/O) device 50, and a memory 506 each communicativelycoupled with a bus 508. Memory 506 (which may also be referred to as acomputer-readable medium) is coupled to bus 508 for storing data andinformation and instructions to be executed by processor 502. Memory 506also may be used for storing temporary variables or other intermediateinformation during execution of instructions to be executed by processor502. Memory 506 may also comprise a read only memory (ROM) or otherstatic storage device coupled to bus 508 for storing static informationand instructions for processor 502. Memory 506 may comprise staticand/or dynamic devices for storage, e.g., optical, magnetic, and/orelectronic media and/or a combination thereof.

I/O device 504 may comprise a display, such as a cathode ray tube (CRT)or a flat panel display, for displaying information, alphanumeric and/orfunction keys for communicating information and command selections tothe processor 502, a cursor control device, such as a mouse, atrackball, or cursor direction keys for communicating directioninformation and command selections to the processor and for controllingcursor movement on the display, or a combination thereof. This inputdevice typically has two degrees of freedom in two axes, a first axis(e.g., x) and a second axis (e.g., y) allowing the device to specifypositions in a plane.

Memory 506 comprises a lighting control system 510 according to one ormore embodiments for determining illumination of induction-based lightsource 112 (FIG. 1). In at least some embodiments, lighting controlsystem 510 determines how long light source 112 should be illuminatedbased on a monitored power level of energy storage device 110, monitoredpower generating patterns with respect to one or both of solar panels116, 118 and wind turbine 122, and/or a date-based information, or acombination thereof.

In at least one embodiment, lighting control system 510 determines howlong light source 112 should be illuminated based on comparing theenergy potential stored in energy storage device 110 with an energystorage power level threshold 512 stored in memory 506. In at least someembodiments, energy storage power level threshold 512 comprises a set ofvalues corresponding to different durations in which light source 112may be illuminated. For example, at a first threshold level, controller400 may cause light source 112 to illuminate for 4 hours, at a secondlower threshold level, the controller may cause the light source toilluminate for 2 hours, etc. In at least some embodiments, energystorage power level threshold 512 comprises a single value above whichthe energy storage power level must exceed in order for controller 400to cause the light source to illuminate. The energy storage power levelthreshold 512 may be predetermined and/or user input to controller 400.

In at least one embodiment, lighting control system 510 determines howlong light source 112 should be illuminated based on comparing a powergenerating history 514 stored in memory 506. Power generating history514 may comprise a single value or a set of values corresponding to atime and/or date based history of the power generated by one or both oreach of solar panel 116, 118 and wind turbine 122. For example, lightingcontrol system 510 may apply a multi-day moving average to the powergenerating history of one or both or each of solar panel 116, 118 andwind turbine 122 in order to determine the power generating potentialfor subsequent periods and estimate based thereon the amount of powerwhich may be expended to illuminate light source 112 during the currentperiod. In at least one embodiment, lighting control system 510 appliesa three (3) day moving average to the power generating history of one orboth of solar panels 116, 118 and wind turbine 122.

In at least one embodiment, lighting control system 510 determines howlong light source 112 should be illuminated based on a date-based powergenerating estimation 516 stored in memory 506. For example, dependingon a geographic installation location of hybrid lighting device 100(FIG. 1), controller 400 may determine the illumination of light source112 based on a projected amount of daylight for the particular location,e.g., longer periods of darkness during winter in Polar locations asopposed to Equatorial locations. In at least some further embodiments,controller 400 may be arranged to cause illumination of light source 112for a predetermined period of time based on information from one or moreof energy storage power level threshold 512, power generating history514, and/or date-based power generating estimation 516 and aftertermination of the predetermined period be arranged to causeillumination of the light source responsive to a signal from a motionsensor for a second predetermined period of time.

In at least some further embodiments, lighting control system 510determines when light source 112 should be illuminated based on receiptof a signal from an occupancy or traffic detector, e.g., a motion sensoroperatively coupled with controller 400.

In at least some embodiments, controller 400 also comprises anelectrical connection to a mains power supply. The mains power supplyconnection may be used in a backup/emergency situation if neither of thesolar panels 116, 118, wind turbine 122, or energy storage device 110are able to supply sufficient power levels to power light source 112. Inanother embodiment, the mains power supply connection may be used toreturn power generated by hybrid lighting device 100 to a power supplygrid. In at least some embodiments, the returned electric power may bereturned for free or for a predetermined price.

In at least some embodiments, controller 400 regulates the supply ofelectricity to light source 112. By regulating the supplied electricity,controller 400 may prevent and/or minimize unexpected spikes or drops inthe supplied electricity level to light source 112. In at least someembodiments, controller 400 may also direct from which component lightsource 112 receives electricity, e.g., energy storage device 110 ordirectly from wind turbine 122, solar panels 116, 118, etc.

In at least some embodiments, controller 400 also comprises a lightsensor to determine if a predetermined threshold has been met in orderto transfer electricity to light source 112 to cause the light source toactivate and generate illumination. In at least some alternateembodiments, light source 112 comprises the light sensor. The lightsensor is a switch controlled by a detected light level, e.g., if thelight level is below a predetermined threshold level, the switch isclosed and electricity flows to light source 112.

FIG. 6 depicts a high-level schematic connection diagram of a hybridlighting device 600 according to another embodiment similar to the FIG.4 embodiment. Hybrid lighting device 600 differs from hybrid lightingdevice 100 by comprising an additional non-induction-based light source602 and a controller 604. In accordance with the FIG. 6 embodiment,controller 604 controls activation of induction-based light source 112and/or non-induction-based light source 602. In at least someembodiments, controller 604 may selectively enable activation of one orboth of light sources 112, 602 depending on one or more lightingparameters, e.g., short startup time, illumination level required, etc.Other elements depicted in FIG. 6 are as described above with referenceto FIG. 4.

In at least some embodiments, hybrid lighting device 100 may comprisesolely induction-based light sources.

FIG. 7 depicts two views, comprising FIGS. 7A and 7B, of a vertical windturbine 700 usable in conjunction with an embodiment. In at least someembodiments, wind turbine 700 may replace wind turbine 122 atop supportpole 106. In at least some embodiments, wind turbine 700 is positionedwithin support pole 122, i.e., retaining sufficient openings in supportpole 122 to permit passage of air to move the wind turbine, and in stillfurther embodiments, wind turbine 700 is positioned below light source112. In at least some embodiments, wind turbine 700 comprises a pair ofshaped, twisted rectangular surfaces positioned about a central shaftextending vertically. Other arrangements and configurations arecontemplated.

FIG. 8 depicts a side view of a combined light source 800 and solarpanel 802 usable in conjunction with hybrid lighting device 100according to an embodiment. Light source 800 and solar panel 802 mayreplace light source 112 and solar panels 116, 118 and be positionedatop or otherwise affixed to support pole 106. The rear of the surfacecomprising solar panel 802 may be a smooth, light reflecting surface inat least some embodiments.

FIG. 9 depicts a rear view of the FIG. 8 embodiment. FIG. 10 depicts avariation on the FIG. 8 embodiment in which the light source 800 ishidden behind a surrounding cover and light generated by the lightsource is reflected off the rear of the solar panel surface. In at leastsome embodiments, light source 800 is removed from the FIG. 10embodiment.

FIG. 11 depicts a rear view of another variation on the FIG. 8embodiment in which a solar panel 1100 comprises a split pair of panels1102, 1104 on the surface. FIG. 12 depicts a rear view of a variation onthe FIG. 10 embodiment using the split solar panels of FIG. 11. FIG. 13depicts a front view of the FIG. 12 embodiment. FIG. 14 depicts anotherfront view of the FIG. 11 embodiment. FIG. 15 depicts a front view ofthe FIG. 10 embodiment.

FIG. 16 depicts a front view of the FIG. 8 embodiment. FIG. 17 depicts aside view of the FIG. 9 embodiment. FIG. 18 depicts a perspective viewof the FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 embodiments. FIG. 19 depicts a top plan viewof split solar panel 1100.

FIG. 20 depicts another perspective view of the FIGS. 9 and 10embodiments. FIG. 21 depicts another perspective view of the FIG. 9 andFIG. 10 embodiments.

FIG. 22 depicts a perspective view of the FIG. 9, FIG. 10, and FIG. 11embodiments. FIG. 23 depicts a perspective view of the FIG. 9, FIG. 10,FIG. 11, and FIG. 12 embodiments.

FIG. 24 depicts another perspective view of the FIG. 12, FIG. 11, FIG.10, and FIG. 9 embodiments. FIG. 25 depicts another perspective view ofthe FIG. 9, FIG. 10, FIG. 11, and FIG. 12 embodiments.

FIG. 26 depicts a side view of a hybrid lighting device 2600 accordingto an embodiment in which a vertically-oriented wind turbine 2602,similar to wind turbine 700 (FIG. 7), is positioned within support pole122. A light source 2604, i.e., an induction-based light source, isconnected with support pole 122 via a light source support arm 2606,such as light source connecting rod 114 (FIG. 1). In at least someembodiments, the wind turbine 2602 is positioned at least partiallywithin the support pole 122.

FIG. 27 depicts a rear view of a hybrid lighting device 2700 accordingto an embodiment in which a vertically-oriented wind turbine 2702,similar to wind turbine 700 (FIG. 7), is positioned inline with supportpole 122. In accordance with this embodiment, support pole 122 forms anaxis of rotation about which wind turbine 2702 rotates. In at least someembodiments, the axis of rotation of the wind turbine 2702 is coaxiallyaligned with the longitudinal axis of support pole 122. A light source2704 is positioned atop support pole 122 in conjunction with a solarpanel 2706 which is similar to solar panel 802 (FIG. 9).

1. A hybrid lighting device, comprising: at least one solar panelarranged to generate electric power; at least one wind turbine arrangedto generate electric power; at least one energy storage device arrangedto store electric power; a power controller electrically connected withthe at least one energy storage device, optionally the at least onesolar panel, optionally the at least one wind turbine, and arranged totransfer electric power; at least one induction-based light sourceelectrically connected with the power controller, wherein the powercontroller is arranged to cause illumination of the induction-basedlight source for a predetermined period of time based on an energystorage power level threshold; and a vertically extending supportstructure being physically connected to the at least one solar panel andthe at least one induction-based light source, the vertically extendingsupport structure having a plurality of openings configured to permitpassage of air, wherein the at least one wind turbine is positioned atthe middle of the support structure, and is configured to receive airpassing through the plurality of openings.
 2. The device as claimed inclaim 1, wherein the at least one wind turbine is directly electricallyconnected with the at least one energy storage device.
 3. The device asclaimed in claim 1, wherein the power controller is arranged toselectively transfer electric power from one or more of the at least onesolar panel, the at least one wind turbine, and the at least one energystorage device to the at least one induction-based light source.
 4. Thedevice as claimed in claim 3, wherein the power controller is arrangedto selectively transfer electric power responsive to a light sensor. 5.The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the induction-based lightsource comprises a light sensor arranged to selectively activate thelight source based on a detected light level.
 6. The device as claimedin claim 1, wherein the at least one wind turbine is electricallyconnected in parallel with the at least one energy storage device. 7.The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one solar panelcomprises a plurality of solar panels arranged circumferentially aroundthe hybrid lighting device.
 8. The device as claimed in claim 1, whereinthe at least one induction-based light source comprises a plurality ofinduction-based light sources.
 9. The device as claimed in claim 1,wherein the hybrid lighting device comprises solely induction-basedlight sources.
 10. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the atleast one wind turbine is positioned at least partially within thevertically extending support structure.
 11. The device as claimed inclaim 1, wherein the at least one wind turbine is positioned such thatthe axis of rotation of the wind turbine is coaxial with the verticallyextending support structure.
 12. The device as claimed in claim 1,wherein the at least one wind turbine is positioned below the lightsource.
 13. The device as claimed in claim 1, further comprising anadditional non-induction-based light source, wherein the powercontroller selectively enables activation of one or both of the at leastone induction-based light source and the additional non-induction-basedlight source.
 14. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at leastone wind turbine comprises a pair of twisted rectangular surfacespositioned about a central shaft extending vertically.
 15. A hybridlighting device, comprising: at least one solar panel arranged togenerate electric power; at least one wind turbine arranged to generateelectric power; at least one energy storage device arranged to storeelectric power; a power controller electrically connected with the atleast one energy storage device, optionally the at least one solarpanel, optionally the at least one wind turbine, and arranged totransfer electric power; at least one induction-based light sourceelectrically connected with the power controller; and a verticallyextending support structure being physically connected to the at leastone solar panel and the at least one induction-based light source, thevertically extending support structure having a plurality of openingsconfigured to permit passage of air, wherein the at least one windturbine is positioned at least partially within the vertically extendingsupport, and is configured to receive air passing through the pluralityof openings.
 16. The device as claimed in claim 15, wherein the at leastone wind turbine is positioned such that the axis of rotation of thewind turbine is coaxial with the vertically extending support structure.17. The device as claimed in claim 15, wherein the at least one windturbine is positioned below the light source.
 18. A hybrid lightingdevice, comprising: at least one solar panel arranged to generateelectric power; at least one wind turbine arranged to generate electricpower; at least one energy storage device arranged to store electricpower; a power controller electrically connected with the at least oneenergy storage device, optionally the at least one solar panel,optionally the at least one wind turbine, and arranged to transferelectric power; at least one induction-based light source electricallyconnected with the power controller; and a vertically extending supportstructure being physically connected to the at least one solar panel andthe at least one induction-based light source, the vertically extendingsupport structure having a plurality of openings configured to permitpassage of air, wherein the at least one wind turbine is positioned atleast partially within the vertically extending support, and isconfigured to receive air passing through the plurality of openings, andthe at least one wind turbine is positioned such that the axis ofrotation of the wind turbine is coaxial with the vertically extendingsupport structure, wherein the at least one wind turbine is positionedbelow the light source.
 19. The device as claimed in claim 18, whereinthe at least one wind turbine comprises a pair of twisted rectangularsurfaces positioned about a central shaft extending vertically.
 20. Thedevice as claimed in claim 18, further comprising an additionalnon-induction-based light source, wherein the power controllerselectively enables activation of one or both of the at least oneinduction-based light source and the additional non-induction-basedlight source.